Page 86 of My Small Town Silver Fox Billionaire

“Indeed, I am,” I chuckle.

“Good to meet you on better terms. Sorry for getting a little uppity the last time.”

“It’s not a big deal, and I totally understand why.”

“Anyway,” she says, looking at Sara. “I think you two should get out of here. You’re going to dinner.”

“Yeah, and you know how my parents are,” I remark to Sara.

“Sure do,” Sara says, rolling her eyes. “Not what I wanted to do tonight, but I get it. They’re leaving the country tomorrow.”

“Yep. Gotta rip the Band-Aid off now, rather than later.”

“Oh, trust me, the sooner, the better,” Katie says. “I know how parents are.”

“As lovely as they can be,” I say sarcastically.

Katie laughs and rests her hand on Sara’s shoulder. “Good luck tonight, chicka. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Thanks, Katie. I’ll text you when I’m on my way home.”

We walk out, and as the door closes, Sara sighs.

“I’m glad that she’s finally warming up to you, even if it’s a little bit.”

“I am too,” I admit. “I thought she hated me.”

Sara shakes her head. “No, she just heard about what you did, and she was a little salty. But she’s a romantic, so that little bit of disdain is just her being jealous.”

“Good to know. I thought I was in bad with her for the count.”

“Nah,” Sara scoffs. “She’s just like that.”

“Anyway, ready to go?”

“Please.”

As the restaurant valet parks the car, we step out and head inside. My heart races as we approach the table where my parents sit. Mom looks up, eyes wide with surprise.

“Oh, hi there, Robert. And . . . Sandy, right?”

“Sara.”

“Right. Sorry.”

“Good to see you again,” Dad says gruffly, extending his hand. Sara takes it and shakes it.

“Pleasure’s all mine, sir.”

He nods, looking away. I sigh, sitting at the table. The server, thankfully, breaks the awkward silence by getting our drink orders. But as he leaves, my father looks at me.

“So, you’re going through with this?” he queries.

“What do you mean?”

Dad gestures to Sara, almost like she’s some sideshow attraction. “Her. You know she’s quite young for you—”

“Dad, please,” I encourage. “Enough of that. I know you’re upset about this, but I’m happy,” I admit. “And I’m not going to sit here tonight and hear either of you disparage Sara. She’s sitting right beside you. Get it?”

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